Stakeholders call for law, improved animal welfare

Participants at a workshop on this year’s World Veterinary Day have called for a new legislation to improve animal welfare in the country. They also called for the education and enlightenment of the public on the importance of animals. The stakeholders noted that good animal welfare reduces disease transmission to humans and improves food safety. A United States of America (U.S) expert from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Dr Lora Davis said compassion should be extended to animals because of their bond with human beings. She said a cordial animal-human relationship has therapeutic effects. According to her, a responsible animal management affects land use, climate change, pollution, water supplies and habitual conversation. Dr Davis urged veterinarians to be involved wherever animals are at risk or are about to be placed at risk. The expert said looking after animals improves their productivity, helps to feed the population and reduces poverty in the society. She added that legislation, training and financial and human resources are necessary to improve animal welfare. Dr Davis said: “In Nigeria, there is weak animal welfare legislation and enforcement, even as there are entrenched negative attitudes towards animal, inadequate political participation, declining cultural and value system.” The Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria Dr. Markus Abong said the council was working hard to ensure that animal welfare was properly captured in the curriculum of institutions in the country. Also, the former Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria Dr. Junaid Maina said the welfare of animal was as important as that of humans. He cited contaminated beef – form animals – as a challenge that could cause serious harm to humans. The registrar called for proper enforcement of the Animal Disease Act of 1988, which provides for the loading and off-loading of animals. Dr. Maina said: “If we emphasise on this, we should be able to curtail this menace of cattle rustling. In Nigeria today, 30 per cent of animals slaughtered in this country are from the neighbouring countries. These stolen animals are actually ending up in our abattoirs.”